inhabitants. A GRUESOME INCIDENT 149 Large numbers of the infatuated mob fell victims to intoxication, the fires they themselves had lighted, the bullets of the soldiers, and the hands of the executioner, before tranquillity was restored. Another terrible event occurred in 1807, when Haggerty and Holloway were to be executed for the murder of Mr Steele on Hounslow Heath. The populace began to assemble as early as five o'clock, and at eight o'clock the concourse of people was enormous. At that hour the prisoners ascended the scaffold. Immediately after they were launched off a most dreadful scene arose. The approaches were blocked by carts filled with spectators, and when the crowd began to try and move away the pressure became tremendous ; some fell, and others fell over them; many were trampled to death. Terror took possession of the crowd, and, becoming desperate, their efforts only tended to increase the danger. After the frightful confusion had somewhat abated, forty-two victims were carried to St Bartholomew's Hospital, of whom twenty-seven were dead. Among the dead was "Tom the pye-man," who was said to have fallen first, and so caused the terrible catastrophe. 150 FAMILIAR LONDON On January 28, 1802, Joseph Wall, formerly Governor of Goree, was executed for the murder of Sergeant Armstrong, who died in consequence of a punishment of eight hundred lashes being inflicted on him in that island in the year 1782. Thank heaven, we live in less brutal times! Christ's Hospital, which we all remember, was founded by Edward VI. for the maintenance and education of the orphans of poor freemen of the City. It originated in the following manner. The convent of Grey Friars, on the site of which the Hospital was built, having been surrendered to Henry VIII., that monarch, a short time before his death, founded Christ's Church Hospital, and granted the monastery to the City, for the relief of the poor. Other lands were granted for the same purpose. VI. the poor were distinguished by classes. St Bartholomew's and St Thomas's Hospitals were appointed to relieve the diseased, Bridewell to maintain and correct the idle, Christ's Hospital to maintain and educate the young and helpless. Edward granted to Christ's Hospital lands of the yearly value of £600, belonging to the Savoy, and added other benefactions to the yearly value of 4000 marks. In the reign of Edward |